Costa Rica Travel Advisory Updated - Crime and Health Risks Rise

Costa Rica maintains its reputation as Central America's safest destination, ranking 38th globally according to the 2025/2026 Global Peace Index, yet the U.S. State Department upgraded its advisory to Level 2 in late 2025, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to rising crime. Petty theft remains the primary concern for visitors, while violent crime against tourists is rare and typically tied to drug trafficking in specific provinces like Limón and San José.